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Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes

By Averi Haugesag, Contributing Writer

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What is Type 1 diabetes?

Although it is typically diagnosed in young children and adults, Type 1 diabetes affects people world wide and can appear at any age. According to the Mayo Clinic, Type 1 diabetes or “juvenile diabetes” is “a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.” This disease is usually genetic; however it can form after exposure to specific viruses. According to the American Diabetes Association, only 5 percent of people suffer from Type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms:

· Extreme levels of hunger

· Weight loss

· Blurred vision

· Fatigue

· Increased thirst

· Irritability

· Frequent urination

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes has developed in millions of people across the globe. It is now said to be the most common form of the disease. Despite these facts, there are many more people who don’t realize they too are at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, “with type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin…or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.”

Symptoms:

· Extreme levels of hunger

· Weight loss

· Blurred vision

· Fatigue

· Increased thirst

· Irritability

· Frequent urination

· Cuts& bruises are slow to heal

· Numbness in the hands or feet

· Recurring bladder infections

· Recurring skin infections

· Recurring gum infections

Ways to manage your diabetes

Type 1:

Although there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, there are ways to maintain the disease. To stay healthy, diabetics must sustain a balanced diet, check their blood sugar level several times a day, and be sure to take their insulin. According to teen Type 1 diabetic, Joyee Chin, “It’s tough. You don’t really realize how much sugar is in the things you eat, or even drink. I mean, I can still have my Starbucks iced passion tea lemonade; I just have to make sure I take my insulin afterwards.”

Type 2:

There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes. However, there are ways to prevent and maintain the disease. The most crucial aspect to this is a healthy diet and exercise. If a healthy lifestyle just isn’t enough, contact your doctor and ask about diabetes medications or insulin therapy.

Distributed by LAKANA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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